Mr. Anthony J. "Tony" LaValla

Mr. Anthony J. “Tony” LaValla, age 70, of Marcy, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 7, 2011 in the privacy of his home. Born in East Utica on January 22, 1941, Anthony was the son of the late John and Carmella (Cardone) LaValla. He was raised and educated locally, a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School Class of 1959. A veteran of the United States Army, he proudly served his country stateside as a member of the Military Police. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, he joined the National Guard at the Armory on Culver Ave. A patriotic man, Tony honored our nation in every respect. At one time, he was married to the former Antoinette M. Montana and to that relationship came the blessing of three wonderful children. A local licensed barber and a brother of the Barbers Union, Tony worked at one time at the Hotel Utica and the Utica Psychiatric Center. During a majority of his working years, he was employed by the Central NY Psychiatric Center where he served in numerous capacities, lastly as a safety officer, the position from which he retired. For over 30 years he was a Volunteer Fire Policeman for the Deerfield Fire Company No. 1 where he actively participated in the brotherhood and numerous activities and fundraising endeavors with much devotion. He also found gratification from volunteering in the Mail Room at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Champlain Avenue Campus. When his children were of school age, he was very involved with scouting in the Deerfield Troops. Through the gift of socializing he was well known to the community, and through his sense of humor, he made others laugh. He was a gifted cook, and during his later years his culinary skills became mastered and vast. For Tony, family functions were made special any time he could be with his grandchildren, as they were the ‘apples of his eye’. In retrospect, he was a man of great strength of character, and being a part of the mainstream of life made him happy and content. He was fond of the sport of fishing, and was a fan and enthusiast of the NY Yankees and the NY Giants. Tony is survived by his children and their spouses, Daniel and Beverly LaValla of Lansdale, PA, Deborah and David Strzepek of Marcy, and Mark LaValla of Plymouth Meeting, PA; his adored grandchildren, Shane, and Zachary LaValla; Justine, and Joshua Strzepek. He was known as “Grandpa Tony” and loved and adored Jesilynn Drake, and Carmella Rizzo and their mother Tammy Ott and her husband Jim. Always close to his heart was the memory of Zachary Rizzo. In addition, he will also be remembered by his sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Marshall Ciccone of North Syracuse; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Nicholas V. and Terri Montana, and Flora A. Montana; and his many memorable friendships with which he was blessed during his life. He was predeceased by his brother, Carmen LaValla; and his brother-in-law, Vincent A. Montana. The family is grateful to Dr. Mark Blaker and especially his Nurse Practitioner Lisa Ennas; Dr. Robert Hammond, Dr. Sultana Razia as well as all of their compassionate personnel; and the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Staff for their professional regard. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial gathering on Thursday evening from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department will honor Tony in their ritualistic service. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, the American Heart Association, or the Leukemia Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Tony’s funeral service with Military Honors will commence on Friday morning at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache.

Mr. Anthony J. "Tony" LaValla

January 22, 1941 - November 7, 2011